TRENTON, N.J. - The holiday season is the time of year for sharing joy and happiness with those less fortunate has arrived.

Mercer County Veteran Services is conducting its annual donation drive to help veterans and their families enjoy the comforts of a hot meal on each holiday. Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes said a donation of any amount would be greatly appreciated.

“Each year, our communities are very supportive of this fund drive,” Mr. Hughes said. “That kind of generosity is what makes Mercer County great. Our veterans have given so much; now let’s continue to show them we care.”

Rather than collecting donations of food, Mercer County’s Division of Veteran Services accepts monetary donations that go toward the purchase of ShopRite gift cards veterans can use to purchase holiday meals. Veterans will receive those gift cards in time for holiday meal preparations. Mercer County Veteran Services uses every dollar collected during the drive to purchase and distribute the ShopRite gift cards for food products.

If you wish to donate, make your check payable to Mercer County Trust Fund. Please mail your donation to the Mercer County Division of Veteran Services, 2280 Hamilton Ave., Hamilton, NJ 08619. For additional information on making a donation, please call (609) 989-6120.